The role of physics in engineering education

The Report in Brief: The role of physics in engineering education is not a static one. It must respond and evolve with the momentous changes in both engineering and physics which are occurring continually. The predominent reliance of early engineering upon art is giving way to a modern technology based squarely upon the physical sciences. Since the beginning of this century we have seen as much progress in physics as had been obtained in the whole previous history of mankind. Yet the obvious and enormous increase in subject matter of modern physics is not the most significant factor relating to the aim of instruction in physics in the education of engineers. On the contrary, the cardinal aim should be that of imparting to the student a point of view, an attitude of mind, and a capacity to deal with the principles and methods of analysis of contemporary physics, for, without training and experience in these modes of thought, neither physicist nor engineer will prove competent to deal with the emerging problems of science and technology.

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